South Australia will launch a nation-leading Royal Commission into Artificial Intelligence to explore opportunities and manage risks across jobs, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and the broader community.

The inquiry formally begins in October 2026, with a final report due by July 1, 2027, prioritizing practical policy solutions over retrospective legal analysis.

The commission will assess AI’s effects across sectors such as education, public services, health, industry, and arts and culture, aiming to shape forward-looking policy for the state.

The premier emphasizes protecting citizens’ interests and ensuring AI development improves lives, including in schools, industry, health, and culture.

Policy should steer AI toward benefiting people and guiding its deployment rather than halting progress.

During a US visit, the premier toured OpenAI’s headquarters, signing a memorandum of understanding with OpenAI’s leadership.

The premier describes AI as a defining shift since the Industrial Revolution and argues South Australia cannot stop AI but can influence its adoption and regulation.

Announcing the commission after his US trip and meetings with AI companies signals a proactive approach to AI governance for the state.

In the US, the premier met with AI firms including OpenAI and Apple to explore applications and policy responses for South Australia.

The announcement followed the US visit, during which the premier also met Tim Cook and signed a memorandum with OpenAI.

Led by the premier, the inquiry will assess AI usage, identify risks and unintended impacts, and seek to maximize benefits.

The inquiry will be policy-oriented rather than a retrospective legal review, aiming to shape forward-looking AI policy for the state.